Marvin Gaye And Gregory Hines Will Be Forever in 2019

In the spirit of the coming new year, the U.S. Postal Service today revealed several of the new Forever stamps and other stamps to be issued in 2019.

Since 1847, the stamp program has celebrated the people, events and cultural milestones unique to the history of the United States. The 2019 stamp subjects continue this rich tradition.

“The miniature works of art illustrated in the 2019 stamp program offer something for everyone’s interest about American history and culture,” said U.S. Postal Service Stamp Services Executive Director Mary-Anne Penner. “From legendary poet Walt Whitman to the entertainment genius of Gregory Hines to the majestic beauty of our Wild and Scenic Rivers, this program is diverse and wide ranging and tells America’s story on stamps.”

Marvin GayeWith this new stamp in the Music Icons series, the U.S. Postal Service honors Marvin Gaye (1939–1984) — the “Prince of Soul” — one of the most influential music performers of his generation. The stamp design features a portrait of Gaye inspired by historic photographs. The stamp pane is designed to resemble a vintage 45 rpm record sleeve. One side of the pane includes the stamps, brief text about Gaye’s legacy, and the image of a sliver of a record seeming to peek out the top of the sleeve. Another portrait of Gaye, also inspired by historic photographs, appears on the reverse along with the Music Icons series logo. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp pane with original art by Kadir Nelson.

Gregory HinesThe 42nd stamp in the Black Heritage series honors Gregory Hines (1946–2003), whose unique style of tap dancing injected new artistry and excitement into a traditional American form. A versatile performer who danced, acted and sang on Broadway, on television and in movies, Hines developed the entertainment traditions of tap into an art form for a younger generation and is credited with renewing interest in tap during the 1990s. Art director Derry Noyes designed the stamp, which features a 1988 photograph by Jack Mitchell.

Postal ProductsCustomers may purchase stamps and other philatelic products through the Postal Store at usps.com/shop, by calling 800-STAMP24 (800-782-6724), by mail through USA Philatelic, or at Post Office locations nationwide. Forever stamps will always be equal in value to the current First-Class Mail 1-ounce price.

Information on ordering first-day-of-issue postmarks and covers is at usps.com/shop under “Collectors.” A video of the ceremony will be available on Facebook.com/usps.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

Continue Reading

Who is BIG CED?

Big Ced is Mr. Connect the dots! An industry insider who is able to help connect people together. As someone that everyone knows and trust, his cosign will take you far. He is also someone who has a very big heart and is willing to support in any way possible. In short… Ced is the Man!!!

I’ve known Big CED for almost 20 years now, and what I like about him most is that he’s still the same person now that he was back then! In this business it’s hard to find genuine people, especially because the power of one’s network along with success and money can often times change someone’s character. But not CED, he is one of the most coolest people I know, and is also the only guy that I can call a smart-ass, but in a cool way (haha). In addition, CED is very opinionated, he’s a realist, and you always know where you stand with him.

Big Ced is an icon in New York City’s hip-hop community. It has been an honor for me to know him professionally as he has written about many of my clients. Ced is one of those rare people who only deals with authentic individuals. You know, the real ones. So when dealing with him, you better come honest, humble and professional.

Big Ced,
A man who lives and loves music! A man who is dedicated to introducing to some and presenting to others the talents of artist, producers, and musicians. A man who works hard at networking, and building relationships with music industry professionals, both cooperate and creative. Someone who enjoys offering his gifts and talents for the love of music. Who is Big Ced?. it’s simple. One of the most highly respected men in the industry that I call Friend.

Stix BonesMusician/ProducerNew York City

My very first interview was with Biggie Smalls aka The Notorious B.I.G. In that interview, I asked him where did he see himself in 10 years. His response? ‘Dead’ He said he didn’t imagine himself living past 25. He was killed 2 months before his 25th birthday.

Before there was social media, you had Big Ced, a gatherer of people. He is more than a promoter or socialite. He hand picked people he liked or felt had some value and invited them to local bars, restaurants, night clubs, sporting events and various other places they probably had never been.

His ability to bring ground breaking thinkers, music artists, athletes, directors, models and moguls together is quite unique. Even in 2016, he continues to collect a eclectic group of movers and shakers.

I imagine he believes in you, before you believe in yourself.

He is a pioneering writer on the internet, before the word blogger and continues to use the platform to make social change.

Ralph McDanielsPresidentUncle Ralph Music and Film & Video Music BoxNew York, NY

Big Ced is…

The only guy that can look like Bernie Mac AND Ma$e at the same damn time.

Hit The Road Sam from the MC Lyte “Paper Thin” video

The geeky trifocal glasses wearing mofo from the “Monie In The Middle” video

Matter of fact…he’s the first male video vixen. He’s a Mixen.

Real talk tho… He’s a good dude. Pause.

He’s a great entertainment resource to have and he’s a good mentor, big brother figure and friend.

But he’s still sarcastic as hell.

Even though most of his jokes be missing the mark, we still laugh along with his punk azz.

Big Ced is “the Guy named Sam” who tried to play MC Lyte, when she should’ve been my girl. He seems to have gotten his act together after the ensuing beatdown, and is now a respected voice in Hip Hop culture with 20+ years of delivering biting content and social commentary across all aspects of popular culture